Difference between Jalapeno and Serrano peppers
Jalapeno peppers and serrano peppers are very similar. However, both have some differences in terms of flavor and their uses mainly. The jalapeno pepper , for one thing, is one of the most popular chili peppers in the world. This is an excellent option for those who like spicy without it becoming unbearable. On the other hand, the serrano pepper is usually hotter than the jalapeño. Its use is very popular in sauces and spicy preparations. Little by little, this chili has been gaining popularity in the United States, since it offers a hotter flavor than the jalapeño without being too hot.
serrano chili |
jalapeno pepper |
|
|---|---|---|
| General description | The serrano chili is native to Mexico. To be more specific, it comes from Puebla, Mexico and its name refers to the fact that it used to be found, planted and harvested in the Pueblan mountains. | The jalapeno is considered the “king” of chili peppers due to its popularity. It is easily found in any supermarket in the world. Its name indicates the place it comes from: Xalapa (Jalapa), Veracruz, Mexico. |
| Scientific name | Capsicum annuum cv ‘Serrano sinahusia’ | Capsicum annum |
| Scoville scale | Within this scale, the serrano chili is located in the middle part. It usually has between 10,000 and 23,000 Scoville units. They tend to range from slightly hot to very hot. As a rule, they are considered three times hotter than jalapeños. | As for the jalapeño, although it is also located in the middle part of the scale, there is a lot of difference between it and the serrano. They typically have between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville Units, which makes their pungent taste quite bearable. |
| Production | Mexico is the country that produces the most serrano chili, with an annual production of 180 thousand tons. | However, due to its high popularity, the Mexican jalapeño is produced in greater quantities: up to 562 thousand tons per year. |
| Appearance | They are usually offered for sale when they are green. When ripe they become red. Either way, both colors are fit for human consumption. They are usually a bit longer and stockier than jalapeños. | On the other hand, jalapeños are also sold green, and when ripe they turn red. They usually measure between 5 and 9 cm. They are not usually robust chiles, they are rather thin |
| Flavor | Its flavor is in fact very similar to that of jalapeños. The difference is that the serranos are spicier, ideal for leveling up after the jalapeño. | Because they are slightly to medium hot, they are ideal for combining with other dishes and ingredients. |